6’3 ’29 Tre Roper (Dwok Elite)
Few players are able to create more advantages for themselves, particularly at this age, than Roper. He’s an incredibly strong, physically overpowering guard with terrific feel, athleticism, versatility, and the ability to play way bigger than his size would imply. Roper is able to get downhill basically whenever he wants and put constant pressure on the basket, where he’s able to finish through contact or above the rim. Although he’s able to finish seemingly everything he attempts inside, Roper has also made real strides as a shooter off the bounce and threat from beyond the arc. He’s a quality creator whose penetration sense shifts defenses and opens up opportunities for others. Furthermore, Roper defends and rebounds incredibly well for his size/position. He’s versatile enough to operate as a guard offensively while defending every position on the floor and outworking opposing bigs on the glass. There’s so much to like about his overall game.
6’7 ’29 Taelin Burney (Maadwest Elite)
Although we hadn’t seen a ton of Burney prior to the weekend, his appeal is quite obvious as a current and long-term prospect. The things that consistently stood out were his nonstop motor, fluid athleticism, and blossoming skillset. Burney’s high energy and strong nose for the ball allowed him to make a constant impact on the glass. He displays a very quick second and third jumps to compete for multiple rebounds in a given possession. Burney finishes well around the basket, but also highlighted flashes of being able to push the break and make smart decisions with the ball. He’s able to attack off the bounce or knock down the occasional jumper as well. However, so much of Burney’s impact right now comes through his defensive presence, rebounding energy, and ability to fill in the gaps offensively. He has so much upside remaining.
6’7 ’29 Flory Kuminga (Southeast Phenoms)
Given his status as a noteworthy talent at a very young age, it’s been impressive to see the strides Kuminga has continued to make as an overall prospect. Not only has he completely transformed his body over the last year or so, his overall game has also visibly progressed. Between his size, creation instincts, and overall skillset, Kuminga is a versatile matchup problem for opponents. He’s able to do a healthy amount of everything, showing the ability to reliably pass, handle, and score the ball from all levels. Kuminga is bigger and stronger than the majority of perimeter defenders, yet also more fluid and skilled than most interior opponents. He rebounds his position and displays flashes of natural feel defensively. Kuminga’s toolkit is so enticing that he feels destined to continue progressing over the foreseeable future.
6’8 ’27 Taj Saragba (Team Different)
After watching him countless times at an early age, it was exciting to see Saragba at the final stage of his high school career. He’s a long, fluid, explosive interior piece with the size, strength, and athleticism to cause a ton of problems for opponents. Saragba finishes well above the rim and through contact, but can also attack off the bounce and space the floor as needed. He does a terrific job of outworking opponents on the glass, especially for second-chance opportunities, and capitalizes on extra chances whenever possible. Saragba displays nice timing and physicality to anchor the paint defensively, but also moves well enough to guard opponents in open space.